Easy Bourbon Chicken

This Easy Bourbon Chicken recipe is a delightful dish that brings the taste of your favorite restaurant right to your kitchen. With a sticky sweet bourbon sauce packed with flavor, it’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. This recipe stands out not only for its enticing taste but also for its simplicity and speed, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish can be prepared in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
• Flavorful Sauce: The bourbon sauce is sweet with a hint of spice, ensuring each bite is deliciously memorable.
• Versatile: Serve it over rice, noodles, or enjoy it as part of a larger spread at gatherings.
• Kid-Friendly Option: Easily adapt the recipe to make it suitable for children by omitting the bourbon.
• Restaurant Quality at Home: Enjoy gourmet flavors without the need to dine out.

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Tools and Preparation

To make this Easy Bourbon Chicken, you will need a few essential tools that will simplify the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet or Pot
• Medium Bowl
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Cutting Board and Knife
• Wooden Spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet or Pot: A large skillet allows for even cooking and helps develop flavors in the sauce.
• Medium Bowl: Perfect for mixing ingredients without making a mess.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accuracy in your measurements, which is key in achieving the right flavor balance.

Ingredients

This easy restaurant-quality Bourbon Chicken recipe is absolutely addicting, thanks to a sticky sweet Bourbon sauce with lots of flavor! Read the notes for a kid-friendly version without bourbon.

Ingredients:
– 3 pounds chicken breasts (boneless and skinless, chopped into 1-inch pieces)
– 4 tablespoons cornstarch (plus ½ – 1 tablespoon extra, see notes)
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon pepper
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or use sesame oil for more flavor)
– 4 cloves garlic (minced)
– 1 cup chicken broth (use low-sodium if you prefer less salt)
– ⅔ cup soy sauce (use low-sodium if you prefer less salt)
– ⅓ cup apple juice
– ⅓ cup ketchup
– ¼ cup bourbon (see notes for a kid-friendly version)
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or less, to taste)
– 1 cup brown sugar (dark or light)
– ½ teaspoon ground ginger
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, or use more for a spicy sauce!)

How to Make Easy Bourbon Chicken

Step 1: Coat the Chicken

1. In a medium bowl, mix together 4 tablespoons cornstarch with ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper.
2. Add the diced chicken and toss well to completely coat the chicken pieces.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

1. In a large skillet or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces. Cook on one side without stirring for about 3 minutes.
3. Turn each piece of chicken and cook for an additional 3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked.
4. Remove the browned chicken from the skillet and set aside. You may need to do this in two batches to avoid crowding.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

1. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add all remaining sauce ingredients (from chicken broth through red pepper flakes).
3. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.

Step 4: Simmer Together

1. Reduce heat to low and add the chicken back into the sauce.
2. Simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce reduces by half.

Step 5: Thicken Sauce (Optional)

1. Combine an additional cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl or cup.
2. Stir this mixture into the sauce to thicken it further.
3. Let simmer another couple of minutes before removing from heat.

Now you’re ready to serve this delicious Easy Bourbon Chicken hot over steamed rice! Enjoy!

How to Serve Easy Bourbon Chicken

Serving Easy Bourbon Chicken is a delightful experience that can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you prefer it over rice or with fresh veggies, there are plenty of options to enhance your meal.

Over Steamed Rice

• This classic pairing allows the sticky bourbon sauce to soak into the rice, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.

With Stir-Fried Vegetables

• Adding colorful stir-fried vegetables not only boosts nutrition but also provides a crunchy contrast to the tender chicken.

In Lettuce Wraps

• For a lighter option, serve the bourbon chicken in crisp lettuce leaves for a refreshing twist that’s perfect for summer.

With Noodles

• Toss the chicken with cooked noodles for a hearty meal. Consider using lo mein or rice noodles for extra texture.

As Part of a Salad

• Create a delicious salad by adding bourbon chicken on top of mixed greens, drizzled with a light vinaigrette for balance.

On Skewers

• Thread pieces of bourbon chicken onto skewers and grill them for a fun appetizer or party food that’s easy to eat!

How to Perfect Easy Bourbon Chicken

Perfecting Easy Bourbon Chicken is all about timing and ingredients. Here are some tips to elevate your dish!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will enhance the flavor profile compared to dried alternatives.
• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to tweak the sugar levels based on your taste preference; less sugar will yield a less sweet sauce.
• Marinate Ahead: If you have time, marinate the chicken in the sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking for deeper flavor.
• Control Heat: Monitor the heat level while cooking; too high can burn the sauce before it thickens.
• Experiment with Sauces: Try different types of soy sauce (like teriyaki) or add other spices to create your own unique twist.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy this dish hot off the stove for the best texture and flavor experience.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Bourbon Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your Easy Bourbon Chicken can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Fried Rice
   A mix of eggs, peas, and carrots makes fried rice a tasty complement that absorbs the bourbon sauce perfectly.

2. Garlic Bread
   This buttery bread adds richness and is great for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.

3. Roasted Broccoli
   The slight bitterness of roasted broccoli contrasts nicely with the sweetness of bourbon chicken.

4. Asian Slaw
   A crunchy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing brings freshness and crunch to your meal.

5. Quinoa Salad
   A light quinoa salad with herbs and lemon dressing offers a healthy alternative that still complements the flavors well.

6. Mashed Potatoes
   Creamy mashed potatoes provide comfort food vibes while balancing out the sweetness of the dish.

7. Cucumber Salad
   A refreshing cucumber salad adds crunch and acidity, perfect for cutting through the richness of bourbon chicken.

8. Steamed Green Beans
   Simple steamed green beans offer a crisp texture that pairs beautifully with this sweet-and-savory dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy Bourbon Chicken, it’s essential to steer clear of common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the cornstarch coating: Coating the chicken in cornstarch helps achieve a crispy texture. Don’t skip this step for better results.
• Overcrowding the skillet: Cooking too much chicken at once can lead to steaming instead of browning. Cook in batches to avoid this issue.
• Not letting the sauce simmer: Skipping the simmering step means missing out on flavor development. Allow time for the sauce to thicken and enhance its taste.
• Ignoring the optional spices: The crushed red pepper flakes add a kick! If you enjoy spice, don’t be afraid to use more or try other spices.
• Rushing the cooking process: Quick cooking can result in dry chicken. Take your time browning and simmering for tender, juicy meat.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Easy Bourbon Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Easy Bourbon Chicken

• You can freeze this dish in a freezer-safe container.
• It will last for about 2-3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Easy Bourbon Chicken

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm it in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Easy Bourbon Chicken that may help you get started!

Can I make Easy Bourbon Chicken without bourbon?

Yes! Substitute bourbon with extra apple juice or broth for a kid-friendly version that retains great flavor.

How do I make my sauce thicker?

For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the simmering sauce. Let it cook for an additional couple of minutes.

What should I serve with Easy Bourbon Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or vegetables. You can also serve it over noodles for a different twist.

Is Easy Bourbon Chicken suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prep and stores well, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Easy Bourbon Chicken is not only delicious but also highly versatile. You can customize it by adjusting spice levels or substituting ingredients based on your preference. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a comforting meal that’s sure to impress!